Wisconsin couple indicted for allegedly forcing minors into labor for years

Feds say Wisconsin couple forced undocumented minors into labor under threat of harm.
Row of prison cells in a cell block
Row of prison cells in a cell block

MADISON, WIS. — A federal grand jury has indicted a Wisconsin couple on multiple charges related to a forced labor scheme that allegedly involved seven minor and young male victims, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday.

Luis Abreu, 50, and his wife, Cybell Abreu, 50, were each charged with seven counts of forced labor and one count of conspiracy to commit forced labor. Luis Abreu was also charged with seven counts of alien harboring for private financial gain, according to the indictment unsealed in the Western District of Wisconsin.

Federal prosecutors say the couple coerced the victims — all of whom were unlawfully present in the United States — to work for them by using threats of serious harm and by exploiting the legal process between September 2015 and March 2018.

Luis Abreu allegedly harbored the individuals while knowing, or recklessly disregarding, their immigration status, prosecutors said. Authorities have not disclosed the nature of the labor performed or the specific threats made.

The couple made their initial court appearance on Monday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Madison. If convicted, the forced labor charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. Alien harboring for profit carries up to 10 years in prison.

Case prosecuted by civil rights division

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger and Trial Attorney Slava Kuperstein from the DOJ’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit. The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations’ Milwaukee Office.

Key Points

  • Luis and Cybell Abreu are accused of coercing seven minors and young men into forced labor between 2015 and 2018
  • Luis Abreu also faces seven counts of harboring undocumented victims for financial gain
  • If convicted, each forced labor charge carries up to 20 years in federal prison

The indictment was announced by officials from the DOJ Civil Rights Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Wisconsin, and Homeland Security Investigations.